The MTD Checklist for Landlords

Making Tax Digital (MTD) is a UK government initiative designed to simplify tax reporting and reduce errors. But for landlords, the new rules can feel overwhelming, especially with deadlines approaching.

• From April 2026, landlords earning over £50,000 will need to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates to HMRC through MTD-compliant software.
• By April 2027, this threshold drops to £30,000.
• With pans to lower the threshold to £20,000 in 2028.

If you’re unsure where to start, our MTD checklist for landlords breaks down exactly what you need to do to prepare.

Download Your Free MTD Checklist For Landlords

Get your free copy of our MTD checklist and make sure you’re fully prepared before the April 2026 deadline.

It includes everything you need to:

• Understand what MTD means for your rental business
• Register for MTD
• Stay compliant with the new HMRC rules
• Digitise your records with ease
• Prepare for quarterly submissions

MTD for Landlords Checklist

Here’s an overview of what’s inside your free MTD checklist:

1. Understand What MTD Means for You

MTD applies to all VAT-registered businesses and, soon, to landlords and self-employed individuals.

• From April 2026, applies to landlords earning over £50,000.
• From April 2027, the threshold lowers to £30,000.
• Expected to reduce to £20,000 by 2028.

Make sure you understand which rules apply to you and whether you need to register for MTD.

Read the guide: MTD for Landlords: Requirements

2. Review Your Current Recordkeeping

Look at how you currently track your rental income and expenses.

• Are you still using spreadsheets or paper?
• Will your accountant’s system integrate with MTD-compatible software?

Now’s the time to get organised.

Read the guide: MTD Software for Landlords

3. Choose HMRC-Recognised MTD Software

Select a digital accounting tool that’s designed for landlords — not generic business software.

• Must connect directly to HMRC for quarterly submissions.
• Should allow property-by-property tracking, expense categorisation, and document storage.

💡 Landlord Studio is HMRC-recognised, MTD-compatible, and built specifically for landlords. Learn more →

4. Digitise Your Records

Move all your property and financial data into your chosen platform.

• Upload receipts, invoices, and bank statements.
• Reconcile transactions and categorise expenses.
• Keep everything safely stored for at least five years.

5. Prepare for Quarterly Updates

Once registered, you’ll need to send quarterly summaries of your income and expenses to HMRC.

• Each submission must be completed within one month of the quarter ending.
• Review and verify your data before submission.

Read the guide: MTD for IT Quarterly Updates and Final Declarations Explained

6. Submit Your End-of-Year Declaration

At the end of the tax year, you’ll confirm your total income and tax due via your final declaration (replacing the traditional Self Assessment return).

7. Stay Compliant and Up to Date

HMRC may adjust thresholds or deadlines, so keep an eye on official updates. Review your software setup annually to ensure you remain compliant.

Download The Full MTD for Landlords Checklist

Make sure you're MTD-ready. Get the full, detailed version of this checklist to make sure you don’t miss any key steps.

Final Words: Stay MTD-Ready with Landlord Studio

Making Tax Digital doesn’t have to be complicated. With Landlord Studio, you can easily digitise your records, automate your bookkeeping, and submit your returns directly to HMRC — all from one platform.

• HMRC-recognised and fully MTD-compliant
• Designed specifically for landlords
• Track income, expenses, and tax per property
• Generate reports instantly for quarterly submissions

Get ahead of the April 2026 deadline. Create your free Landlord Studio account today and make your MTD transition seamless.